WASHINGTON, July 9 -- The office of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-New Hampshire, issued the following statement on President Trump's nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be an associate justice of the Supreme Court:

"The independence of the Supreme Court is critical to our democracy.

"Judge Kavanaugh must demonstrate his respect for precedent and his focus on defending the Constitution, independent of political influence or ideology. I look forward to reviewing his record, and to meeting with Judge Kavanaugh to discuss a number of key issues that underscore the indispensable values of equality and freedom.

"The Court has reaffirmed these principles in landmark decisions that maintained protections for women's reproductive rights, LGBTQ civil liberties, and healthcare coverage for millions of Americans that depend on the Affordable Care Act. I will only support Judge Kavanaugh's nomination if he protects the civil rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution."